Canon laser error E202 (scanner home position error)
E202 means the scanner carriage (the reading unit under the glass) could not find its home position. The home position sensor did not detect the carriage when the machine expected it, either because the carriage did not move or because the sensor failed. Copying and scanning are blocked; printing may still work.
What causes it
- Scanner lock engaged after transport
- Object under the glass or the scanner carriage belt slipped
- Dirty or faulty home position sensor
- Scanner motor or drive failure
- Loose scanner cable
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Turn the machine off and on
Power off at the main switch for 30 seconds. The scanner re-homes at start-up and a transient fault clears.
Release the scanner lock
Many imageRUNNER and larger imageCLASS units have a scanner lock lever or screw on the side or under the platen. Unlock it if the machine was recently moved.
Check under the glass
Lift the platen cover or feeder and look along the edges of the glass for objects, then watch the scanner lamp during start-up to see whether the carriage moves.
Check the home position sensor
On machines where the glass can be lifted, look for the small optical sensor at the home end of the carriage travel and blow dust off it.
Reseat cables on small MF units
On compact imageCLASS units the scanner unit lifts and its flat cable can loosen at the hinge. Reseat it with the machine unplugged.
Call for service on copiers
On imageRUNNER machines E202 usually needs the scanner motor, belt or sensor checked by a technician.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Printers that show this code
Frequently asked questions
Can I still print with E202?
Usually yes on imageRUNNER machines; some small imageCLASS units block all functions until the scanner initialises.
Does E202 clear itself?
It clears after a restart if the carriage reaches home. If the cause remains, it returns at the next scan.
Where is the scanner lock on an imageRUNNER?
Typically on the left side of the scanner unit or behind the glass at the front left. Consult the model's setup guide.
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